Existential slap : a fatal diagnosis -- Trajectories : patterns in how we die -- After the diagnosis : in the land of living/dying -- Going home : where people die -- Does dying hurt? -- Coping : a map for how to die well -- Growth and legacies -- Checking out early -- The brain and dying -- The last few hours

"As a long-time hospice volunteer, Jennie Dear has helped countless patients, families, and caregivers cope with the many challenges of the dying process. Inspired by her own personal journey with her mother's long-term illness, Dear demystifies the experience of dying for everyone whose lives it touches. She spoke to doctors, nurses, and caregivers, as well as families, friends, and the patients themselves. The result is a brilliantly researched, eye-opening account that combines the latest medical findings and sensitive human insights to offer real emotional support and answers to some of the questions that affect us all."--Back cover